Trekking in Bhutan is unlike anywhere else in the Himalayas. The walks are long and arduous but they are complimented by crystal air, lonely paths and views that defy description. The trails lead one through alpine meadows, rhododendron forests, around the foothills of the snow peaked Himalayas, emerald green valleys and crystal lakes. One also gets the opportunity to see a wide variety of flora and fauna. One can travel for days without so much as seeing another person.On all treks, one will be accompanied by a guide, a cook, porters and luggage animals. Trekkers need rarely to carry more than a day pack.

Every precaution is taken to ensure the safety and comfort of the trekkers. Most of the designated treks go above 9,000 ft (3,000 m) - 18,000 ft (6,000 m). Altitude sickness is an acute problem for trekkers in Bhutan and is not recommended for people who are not properly acclimatized or for those who suffer from high altitude sickness. Trekking permits are required on all treks. The treks vary from short 3 day walks over relative low altitudes to over 3 week long treks which takes one through some of the highest passes in the kingdom.

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival Paro. You will be received by our representative at the Paro Airport (7,000 ft) and driven to the hotel.

Day 2: Paro. Drive through the winding road to Drugyel Dzong, ruin fortress that once defended the valley from Tibetan invaders. On a clear day, one can get a good view of Mount Chhomolhari, Mountain of Goddess (24,000 ft). Visit Ta Dzong, which houses the National Museum and the courtyard of Kichu Lhakhang which is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan - dated 7th century AD.

Day 3: Paro - Taksang. Spend a full day hike to Taktshang, the Tiger's Nest. This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 3,000 ft above the valley floor. The monastery unfortunately got burnt in 1998 and has recently been reconstructed.

Day 4: Paro – Shana. Drive to Drugyel Dzong where the road ends and the trek begins. The path follows the river uphill through a narrowing agricultural valley. The camp made of stone shelter is in a meadow. Altitude: 9,500ft. Distance: 17 kms. Time: 5/6 hours.

Day 5: Shana - Soi Thangthangkha. The path goes uphill through the river valley and along the river drainage. The trail passes through conifer and rhododendron forests. On the way, there is a
great view of Mount Chhomolhari. Camp will be set up in a meadow with stone shelter. Altitude: 12,664 ft. Distance: 19 kms. Time: 6/7 hours.

Day 6: Soi Thangthangkha – Jangothang. This path goes past a small army post where the valley begins to widen again. From this point one can get views of snow capped peaks and high mountain
ridges. One should also be able to see some yaks and yak herders. Camp is beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mt Chhomolhari.
Altitude: 13,255 ft. Distance: 19 kms. Time: 5/6 hours.

Day 7: Jangothang – Lingshi. The trail climbs gradually to Nyilila Pass (15354 ft). Wide yak pastures can be seen all along the trail. If the weather is clear, one can get a great view of the Lingshi Dzong as one descends into the Lingshi basin. Tserim Kang and its descending glaciers can be seen at the north end of the valley. Camp is in a stone shelter. Altitude: 12,844 ft. Distance - 19 kms. Time: 5/6 hours.

Day 8: Lingshi – Chebisa. This is the shortest walking day. On reaching the Chebisa camp one can visit some village houses.
Altitude: 12,828 ft. Distance: 10 kms. Time: 5/6 hours.

Day 9: Chebisa – Shomuthang. The trail goes through wild pastures where one will meet few yak herders and yaks. Cross Gobula Pass (14,268 ft) and on to Shomuthang. The camp here is near a river, a tributary to the Mo Chhu which comes out below the Gasa Tshachu (Hot Spring). Altitude: 13,976 ft. Distance: 15 kms. Time: 6 hours.

Day 11: Robluthang – Lemithang. After Shingela Pass (16,072ft) the path descends and then goes through the valley. Lemithang is in the Laya district and it is here one will begin to see people in their unique attire and hats. Camp is at Kang Che Da beneath Gang Chen Ta, the Great Tiger Mountain. Altitude: 13,567 ft. Distance: 19 kms. Time: 6/7 hours.

Day 12: Lemithang – Laya. The path goes downhill along a winding river valley and one enters the east end of Laya village. Overnight at camp. Altitude: 12,680 ft. Distance: 10 kms. Time: 4/5 hours.

Day 13: Laya. Visit some houses and local people.

Day 14: Laya – Koena. The trail goes along the river valley and one will get a breathtaking view of the vibrant rivers, feeder streams and waterfalls. Altitude: 11,582 ft. Distance: 19 kms. Time: 7 hours.

Day 16: Gasa - Gasa Tsachu. After a late breakfast, trek to Gasa Tsachu (Hot spring). After lunch relax at the hot spring. The hot spring is believed to be very effective in curing many
ailments and joint aches and many Bhutanese families visit the hot spring every winter.

Day 19: Thashithang - Wangdue Phodrang. Drive down through Punakha valley. One will get a good view of Punakha Dzong, one of the most spectacular Dzongs built in the junction of two rivers - the
Pho Chhu (male river) and the Mo Chhu (female river). The remains of Shabdrug Ngawang Namgyal, unifier of Bhutan in the 17th century is preserved in this Dzong. This is also the winter residence of the Central Monastic Body. Drive on to Wangdue Phodrang. Overnight in hotel.

Day 20: Wangdue Phodrang – Thimphu. Visit the Wangdue town. The drive to Thimphu goes over Dochula Pass (10,000ft). If the weather is clear one can get the view of the majestic Himalayan ranges and will also be able to see Gasa Dzong at a distance. Drive on to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.

Day 21: Thimphu. Relax after a tiring trek. Local sightseeing.

Day 22: Thimphu - Paro – Departure. Early morning drive to Paro Airport where your Bhutan Lha-Yul Tours & Travel's escort see you off at the airport.

Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.

About This Supplier

Location: BhutanJoined InfoHub: Apr 2006Client Request Served: 4

M11376 is a company owned and managed by Mrs. Tshering who has had many years of experience in the field of tourism. With the company's dedicated staff and well-trained guides, who are certified by the Tourism Authority of Bhutan, the company endeavors to achieve nothing less than making your journey to Bhutan an...